Mechanical plant characterized by the use of some form of bucket to excavate and raise the bottom material Normally, the mechanical dredge deposits material into a barge that transports it to the disposal site, but in some cases, the dredged material can be deposited directly in-water or placed on the bank immediately adjacent to the work area. Mechanical dredges may be classified into two sub-groups by how their buckets are connected to the dredge: (1) wire rope (i.e., clamshell or dragline), and (2) structurally (i.e., a backhoe).